惣菜
sōzai[so̞ːza̠i]
The English phrase "side dish" can be translated into Japanese as 惣菜 (sōzai). Wiktionary also lists 副食 (fukushoku).
Meaning: serving of food meant as an accompanying dish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 惣菜 | sōzai | [so̞ːza̠i] (narrow) |
| 副食 | fukushoku |
In Japanese, several terms exist for a side dish depending on the context. For a specific context of snacks, appetizers or finger foods eaten alongside alcoholic beverages, use tsumami. The term fukusai represents the supporting side dishes that complement the main dish.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 副食 (fukushoku) is composed of the characters for 'subordinate/secondary' and 'food', literally meaning 'secondary food'.
How do you pronounce it?
sōzai
Did you know?
- In Japanese cuisine, the concept of okazu describes side dishes specifically eaten to accompany a bowl of plain steamed rice.
- The traditional Japanese meal structure follows ichijū sansai, which means 'one soup and three sides'.
- In many Japanese households, the term 惣菜 (sōzai) is often used to refer to pre-made or deli-style side dishes bought from a supermarket rather than food cooked at home.
Examples in context
- 今日のおかずは何ですか？What is today's side dish?
- さつまいもの煮物とキャベツのサラダです。It's simmered sweet potatoes and cabbage salad.
- このお料理の副菜は何ですか？What are the side dishes for this dish?
- おかずは魚のフライと野菜炒めです。The side dishes are fish fry and stir-fried vegetables.
- この惣菜はとても美味しいです。Kono sousai wa totemo oishii desu.This side dish is very delicious.
- スーパーで惣菜を買いました。Suupaa de sousai o kaimashita.I bought some side dishes at the supermarket.
- 冷蔵庫に惣菜が残っています。Reizouko ni sousai ga nokotte imasu.There are side dishes left in the refrigerator.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 結衣 Yui今日の夕食はどうする？Kyou no yuushoku wa dou suru?What are we doing for dinner today?
- 健太 Kenta惣菜をいくつか買って帰ろうか。Sousai o ikutsuka katte kaerou ka.Shall we buy some side dishes on the way home?
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。何が食べたい？Ii yo. Nani ga tabetai?That sounds good. What do you want to eat?
- 健太 Kenta揚げ物系の惣菜がいいな。Agemono-kei no sousai ga ii na.I'd like some fried-type side dishes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “side dish” translations and entries 惣菜, 副食, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
